EU Ambassador Rejects Georgian Government’s Accusations of Encouraging Violence, Voices Concern Over Human Rights

The European Union has never supported violence in Georgia or anywhere else, EU Ambassador to Georgia Paweł Herczyński said on Saturday, rejecting accusations by the Georgian government that Brussels had encouraged violent actions in the country.

Speaking to journalists in the eastern Georgian city of Telavi, where the EU Delegation hosted Europe Day 2026 celebrations, Herczyński reaffirmed the bloc’s commitment to democratic values, human rights and the rule of law.

“The European Union has never supported violence, neither in Georgia nor anywhere else,” the ambassador said.

Asked to respond to allegations by the Georgian government that the EU had encouraged violence, Herczyński stressed that Brussels remained firmly committed to its fundamental principles.

“We stand for human dignity, democracy, the rule of law and human rights, and these are precisely the values we will continue to support,” he said.

EU foreign ministers to discuss deteriorating situation in Georgia

Herczyński also confirmed that EU foreign ministers would discuss developments in Georgia at their upcoming meeting on Monday, amid growing concerns in Brussels over what he described as a deterioration in human rights and democratic standards.

“Yes, that is correct. On Monday, EU foreign ministers will meet and discuss the situation in Georgia. In fact, EU foreign ministers discuss Georgia quite regularly,” he said.

“Why? Because we are genuinely concerned about developments in your beautiful country. We are concerned about the deteriorating human rights situation and the state of democracy.”

The ambassador raised concerns over what he described as increasingly restrictive measures against citizens and civil society organisations.

“As you know very well, in today’s Georgia, people are being imprisoned for standing on the pavement. People are also being sent to prison for posts published on Facebook,” Herczyński said.

He further warned that international organisations and institutions that have supported Georgia’s sovereignty and development were facing increasing pressure.

“The European Union, its member states and foundations that have consistently supported Georgia’s sovereignty and development are being pushed out of the country,” he said.

“This is, of course, extremely alarming, and that is precisely why ministers will once again discuss the deteriorating situation in Georgia next Monday.”

‘It is my duty to speak out’

Addressing criticism directed at him personally, Herczyński said he did not take such remarks personally and remained committed to representing the EU’s position in Georgia.

“I do not take critical remarks personally. It is a great honour for me to represent the European Union in Georgia, and it is my duty to communicate the EU’s position,” he said.

The ambassador acknowledged that he would prefer to deliver more positive messages about Georgia’s European integration process but stressed that developments in the country required him to raise concerns publicly.

“I wish the messages I deliver could be positive. Unfortunately, when we are confronted with negative developments in Georgia, it is my responsibility to speak out and inform the public about the European Union’s position regarding the deteriorating situation in the country,” Herczyński concluded.